Weekend Best Bets

The Roller Girls' Saturday bout is a double-header.

event: Roller Girls take on Derby Dames

The Springfield Roller Girls' two teams, the All Stars and the Battle Broads, will take on the CoMo Derby Dames of Columbia in a Saturday evening double-header. Both of the Springfield teams were victorious last year, so expect the Derby Dames to be out for revenge. The bout is 6-9 p.m. Saturday at Skateport, 3820 S. Glenstone Ave. Tickets are $8 in advance at Skateport, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Ambiance Salon or at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/402915 or $10 at the door (free for ages 6 and younger). For information, call 417-414-7770 or visit springfieldrollergirls.com.

onstage: "Damn Yankees" at Tent

"Damn Yankees" opens today at Missouri State University's Tent Theatre. Tickets are $14; $12 for seniors, children and students; $10 for MSU faculty, staff and students with BearPass ID. Call 417-836-7678.

spotlight: Picnic and day-trip destinations

No time for a camping trip but need a little time outside? The answer may be a short drive and a well-packed picnic basket. Here are a few choice spots worth a visit, all within an easy drive of Springfield.

? Mountain Springs Trout Park is nestled in a hollow near Highlandville and presents the opportunity to catch your own lunch. The privately owned trout park features a nice covered pavilion in a scenic spot. There's no admission to get in. If you want to fish, you pay only for what you catch. They even offer complimentary rods and bait. The park, located at 2549 State Highway O in Highlandville, is open from 9 a.m. till dusk daily. For information, call 417-443-3400 or go to mountainspringstroutpark.com.

? If you're short on time or gas money, you can head to Ritter Springs Park, one of Springfield's gems. The sprawling park features wide, shaded walking trails along streams, a large lake and a small cave. For the kids, there is plenty of playground equipment. You can choose either a comfy grassy spot under a tree out in the woods or near the water or one of the picnic tables or open shelters. There also are a number of grills, in case you're in the mood for a fresh burger. Ritter Springs Park is located at 3683 W. Farm Road 92. Call 417-864-1049 or go to www.parkboard.org.

? Red Oak II is a must-see. Artist Lowell Davis created the town after returning to Missouri in the late 1980s. The town in which he grew up, Red Oak, was a ghost town when he returned, so he bought the buildings and moved them 23 miles to his farm and restored them to their former glory. Structures include a general store, homes, an old Phillips 66 gas station, a café, church and much more. Works of art and whimsical touches are found throughout. It's free to explore. Directions: From Springfield, take I-44 west to the Missouri 96 exit. Drive west on 96 to County Road 120 and turn north. Turn west on Kafir Road and south onto County Loop 122. For information, go to www.redoakiimissouri.com.

? There's nothing wrong with getting a little history lesson with your lunch. The Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site offers a glimpse into the 1830s. The site features the restored home of the youngest son of Daniel Boone. In addition to the home and family cemetery, the site features walking trails, picnic areas and native grasslands. Guided tours of the home are $4 for those 13 and older, $2.50 for children ages 6 to 12 and free for children younger than 6. There is a maximum rate of $15 per family. Park hours through October are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; 1-4 p.m. Sunday; closed Mondays and Tuesdays. The park is located at 7850 N. State Highway V, in Ash Grove. For information, call 417-751-3266 or go to mostateparks.com

? You can forget the picnic basket altogether if you take a trip to Bakersville Pioneer Village, where the Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co. is located. About 10 minutes from Mansfield, Bakersville is a re-created village featuring a barn, old-time mercantile, herbal apothecary, natural bakery, garden museum, gift shop, restaurant and more. Hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday; closed Saturday and major holidays. Restaurant hours are 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. For information, call 417-924-8917 or go to www.rareseeds.com.

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Weekend Best Bets

The Springfield Roller Girls' two teams, the All Stars and the Battle Broads, will take on the CoMo Derby Dames of Columbia in a Saturday evening double-header.